Finding Panthers: Four Free Agent CB Options for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers already needed to address the cornerback room this offseason but now with veteran Donte Jackson expected to be traded or released, the Panthers absolutely need to bring in some help.
GM Dan Morgan and co. will likely consider taking a corner at some point in the draft but would like to have an immediate solution which could happen sometime this month in free agency.
I don't anticipate the Panthers spending big money at the position, at least not this offseason. However, there are four free agent corners that aren't necessarily dirt cheap but shouldn't be out of Carolina's price range either.
Myles Bryant (New England Patriots)
If Dan Morgan likes his corners to be long like Scott Fitterer did, you can cross Bryant off the list. He's only 5'9" and roughly weighs 190 pounds, so not the biggest guy out there by any means. That said, he's held his own and then some since entering the league in 2020. He's seen his production increase year over year and finished the 2023 season with 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss, seven passes defended, and one interception.
Spotrac's projected contract: 3 years, $25.1M.
Dane Jackson (Buffalo Bills)
In a year where the Panthers are going to be somewhat tight against the cap, Jackson could be one of the cheaper options that could make the most of a one-year deal where he is given the opportunity to start. He's not going to necessarily make up for the loss of Donte Jackson, but he can help be a part of the solution. If Carolina goes this route, they'll likely try to take a corner in the second or third round.
Spotrac's projected contract: 1 year, $3.1M.
Levi Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Wallace has a lot of experience, playing in 83 career games and logging 70 starts. He's never been a shutdown corner but he plays the ball well in flight. In his six-year career, Wallace has averaged nine passes defended and two interceptions per season. Entering his age 29 season, he could fill in as a starter and slowly transition into a rotational piece in year two.
Spotrac's projected contract: 2 years, $11.8M.
Ahkello Witherspoon (Los Angeles Rams)
After an injury-plagued 2022 season in Pittsburgh, Witherspoon bounced back with a solid year with the Rams. He's the biggest and longest corner on this list, checking in at 6'2", 195 lbs. Statistically, Witherspoon had the best year of his career in 2023, racking up 52 tackles, 14 passes defended, three interceptions, and three tackles for loss - all career highs.
Spotrac's projected contract: 2 years, $20.5M.
